Supporting Israel

In questions to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Bob again spoke about the situation in the Middle East. Bob asked the Minister if he is “aware of the rockets, bombs and anti-air-craft capability that Hamas has built up and does that not further threaten the security of the region.” To read the quote in full, follow this link: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2010-12-14a.801.1

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Cutting Bureaucracy

Bob Blackman called on the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to confirm that Local Authorities will be able to easily access the £200 million ring fenced to transform back-office functions and reduce bureaucracy.To read the quote in full, follow this link: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2010-12-13a.694.5

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Objecting to “Super Dairies” and Promoting Humane Treatment for Animals

Bob recognises and shares the concerns that many have about the treatment of farm animals and wholly supports moves to more humane conditions. Bob made clear his concerns that this dairy may be the thin end of a very think wedge. In questions in the Chamber, Bob Asked the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has received on the proposed provision of a super dairy in Lincolnshire by Nocton Dairies and if she will make a statement.  

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Opposition Day debate on Local Government Funding

Speaking during the Opposition Day debate on Local Government Funding Bob Blackman MP spoke about his extensive history working in local government and identified the fact that over the past three years, local authorities have faced 3.5% reductions or efficiency savings forced upon them by the former Labour Government. As a consequence of these reductions, 23 of the 32 local authorities suffered greatly with below inflation budget increases. If we do not take the education budget into account th...

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Business of the House

Questioning George Young, the Leader of the House of Commons, Bob drew attention to the Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome group. This is a group of 100 families who have campaigned for the past ten years for justice for their children who have disabilities caused by epilepsy drugs taken by their mothers during pregnancy. In a legal battle being fought against the pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis, the Legal Services Commission withdrew previously agreed legal aid funding on the eve of the trial...

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Supporting the NHS

In debates surrounding the Public Health White Paper Bob declared his support for the transfer of powers to local authorities and the ring-fencing of NHS funding. Bob questioned the Secretary of State for Health and asked him to clarify how the spending of that money will be enforced to ensure that local authorities are unable to use this money for other purposes.

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Freezing the Council Tax

In questioning to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Bob Blackman MP questioned whether, based on the representations he has received, The Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP can ensure that prepared councils will be able to freeze council tax following the years of rapid increases endured under Labour.  

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Supporting Post Offices

Bob is a staunch supporter of the Royal Mail and spoke in the Chamber in support of the arrangements between the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Post Office to enhance the capability of post offices. Bob recognised that a large number of post offices are run by individuals or families as part of their wider business and commends the work that these people do. Bob has committed his support to keeping the post office network open and profitable. To read the quote in full, follow this link. Read More →